Remote-access Guide

microsoft office remote access licensing

by Darrick Stiedemann PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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As long as the user has a VL license of Office on the device they are accessing the RDS Server from, they are allowed to use it on the RDS Server. No additional licensing is needed on the RDS Server end. Office has to be either a VL license or the user has to have an O365 subscription that includes Office for Enterprise.

Full Answer

How does Microsoft Office license work?

Microsoft Office as a software offering under the desktop applications licensing model is licensed on a “per device” basis. Users must assign each Microsoft Office license to a single physical hardware system (“licensed device”). The license permits use of the software on the licensed device.

How do I assign Office 365 licenses to users?

To use Microsoft 365 Apps, your users will need the appropriate license. To assign licenses, do one of the following: Assign a license to a user directly in the Office 365 portal by selecting a check box on the licenses page for the user’s account.

How are office client suites licensed for remote access?

Office client suites are licensed per device. The primary user of a device licensed for this Office software with active Software Assurance is licensed for access to the online companion Office Online applications from any device. In these situations, the primary user is enabled for remote online access through Office Online Server.

What happens if I remove a user's license from Office 365?

If you remove a user's license (for example, if the user leaves your organization), any installations of Microsoft 365 Apps that the user had will go into reduced functionality mode. The Office Licensing Service, a part of Microsoft 365, keeps track of which users are licensed and how many computers they've installed Office on. Note

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Does Remote Desktop need licensing?

Each user and device that connects to a Remote Desktop Session host needs a client access license (CAL). You use RD Licensing to install, issue, and track RDS CALs. When a user or a device connects to an RD Session Host server, the RD Session Host server determines if an RDS CAL is needed.

Does RemoteApp require license?

RemoteApp does not require any Windows licenses or Remote Desktop CALs. Your subscription takes care of the RemoteApp side itself. (Check out the details of the pricing plans.)

How many RDS licenses do I need?

You need one user CAL for every user account that is used on the RDS server, doesn't matter how many are used concurrently. If you plan on using MS Office then you will need additional per user/device CALS for that as well.

How does RDP license work?

Remote Desktop for Administration: This licensing mode allows for up to two administrative sessions, including the local console session, to be running simultaneously on a Windows server. This is the only licensing mode that does not require Remote Desktop client access licenses (RD CALs) or a license server.

Does Windows Server 2019 come with RDS CALs?

This license is for Windows Server 2019 Standard 16 with 5 Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Client Access Licenses (CALs) included.

What happens if RDS licensing server is down?

As mentioned by Wilson, if your RDSH is not able to contact the license server - the clients that are having valid license will not get connection denial even if your license server is down for some time. Only the clients that either have no license or have expired licenses, will face connection denial.

How much does RDP license cost?

Remote Desktop Services (RDS)LicensePriceRDS CAL$10 per monthAdd to Order

What is Microsoft RDS licensing?

An RDS CAL is a license that allows users/devices to access and utilize Windows Server published resources, such as Windows applications, desktops and files. This license model provides a way to pay for capacity used: the more users or devices accessing your resources, the more RDS CALs you require.

Is RDS the same as RDP?

(Previously, RDS was called Terminal Server) All operations take place server-side, not on a user machine. Many people ask “What is the difference between RDP and RDS?” To tell the truth, there is no difference.

How much does Microsoft Remote Desktop cost?

Team licenses cost $199 per month, while Multi User and Single User are $99 and $49, respectively. To find our more about Microsoft Remote Desktop Manager, read our guide to the Best remote desktop software.

How many server licenses do I need?

Each processor needs to be licensed with a minimum of eight core licenses (four 2-packs). Each physical server, including single-processor servers, will need to be licensed with a minimum of 16 Core Licenses (eight 2-packs or one 16-pack). One core license must be assigned for each physical core on the server.

Do I need user CALs for every server?

Client Access Licenses (CALs) You have to pay for each person or each device (each client) that you want to allow access the server or use of some service the server provides. You only need 1 CAL per user or per device regardless of how many servers you actually have.

Do I need user CALs for every server?

Client Access Licenses (CALs) You have to pay for each person or each device (each client) that you want to allow access the server or use of some service the server provides. You only need 1 CAL per user or per device regardless of how many servers you actually have.

Does RD Gateway require licensing?

Remote Desktop Gateway This requires additional licensing to use, as per Microsoft: “An RDS CAL is required to use any functionality included in the Remote Desktop Services role in Windows Server.

Do RDS CALs expire?

An RDS User CAL expires 60 days after it is issued to the user and then returns to the available pool, however, if the user connects within 7 days of the expiration date the license will be renewed for another 60 days.

Which Remote Desktop mode comes with two built in licenses?

By default your Windows Server comes with two Remote Desktop licenses (also known as RDS or RDP). If you'd like to use more than two Remote Desktop sessions on your VPS with Windows Server you can manually add a license to be able to do so.

How to assign licenses to Office 365?

Assign and manage licenses. To use Microsoft 365 Apps, your users will need the appropriate license. To assign licenses, do one of the following: Assign a license to a user directly in the Office 365 portal by selecting a check box on the licenses page for the user’s account. Use Office 365 PowerShell. For more information, see Assign Microsoft 365 ...

What is Microsoft 365 licensing mode?

This licensing mode lets you deploy Microsoft 365 Apps to a single computer that is shared by multiple users and where those users are logging in with their own account.

How does Microsoft 365 work?

As part of the installation process, Microsoft 365 Apps communicates with the Office Licensing Service and the Activation and Validation Service to obtain and activate a product key. Each day, or each time the user logs on to their computer, the computer connects to the Activation and Validation Service to verify the license status and extend the product key. As long as the computer can connect to the internet at least once every 30 days, Microsoft 365 Apps remains fully functional. If the computer goes offline for more than 30 days, Microsoft 365 Apps enters reduced functionality mode until the next time a connection can be made. To get Microsoft 365 Apps fully functional again, the user can connect to the internet and let the Activation and Validation Service reactivate the installation, though in some cases the user may have to sign back in first.

What is device based license?

The Device Based License is designed to simplify management of Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise on devices shared by many users. Anyone that signs in and uses that device can use Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise to create and edit documents. Device Based Licensing does not require user level activation and does not require the user to have an Azure Active Directory account. There is no limit to the number of sign-ins and anyone with device access can use Microsoft 365 Apps for Enterprise applications.

What happens if you remove a Microsoft license?

If you remove a user's license (for example, if the user leaves your organization), any installations of Microsoft 365 Apps that the user had will go into reduced functionality mode. The Office Licensing Service, a part of Microsoft 365, keeps track of which users are licensed and how many computers they've installed Office on.

What happens if you install Microsoft 365 on more than 10 devices?

If a user installs Microsoft 365 Apps on more than 10 devices, then the device that hasn't been used for the longest amount of time is automatically deactivated. Microsoft 365 Apps goes into reduced functionality mode on the deactivated device. Note that this automatic deactivation is only supported for Windows devices at this time.

How long does Microsoft 365 stay offline?

If the computer goes offline for more than 30 days , Microsoft 365 Apps enters reduced functionality mode until the next time a connection can be made.

What is Office Standard 2019?

Office Standard 2019 for Mac. The essentials for businesses that need desktop Office applications for PC. The essentials for businesses that need desktop Office applications for PC plus instant messa ging and HD video conferencing. The essentials for businesses that need desktop Office applications for Mac.

How can administrators deploy software to many users at once?

Administrators can deploy software to many users at once with volume activation. Take control of a remote computer or virtual machine over a network connection with terminal services. Make decisions with app telemetry, an automated remote measurement and collection of data that you can turn into useful analytics.

Does Microsoft 365 have a subscription?

If you need to purchase five or more licenses, Microsoft offers Microsoft 365 Apps for business and Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise. Always-up-to-date with the latest version of Office plus cloud services like file sharing and storage, Microsoft 365 is a subscription service that enables you to work from virtually anywhere ...

How to ensure you are in compliance with Remote Desktop Services license terms?

To ensure you are in compliance with the Remote Desktop Services license terms, track the number of RDS Per User CALs used in your organization and be sure to have enough RDS Per User CALs installed on the license server for all of your users .

When is a temporary license issued?

When you use the Per Device model, a temporary license is issued the first time a device connects to the RD Session Host. The second time that device connects, as long as the license server is activated and there are available RDS CALs, the license server issues a permanent RDS Per Device CAL.

What is a CAL in remote desktop?

Each user and device that connects to a Remote Desktop Session host needs a client access license (CAL). You use RD Licensing to install, issue, and track RDS CALs.

Can you use RDS CALs on Windows Server?

The RDS CAL for your users or devices must be compatible with the version of Windows Server that the user or device is connecting to. You can't use RDS CALs for earlier versions to access later versions of Windows Server, but you can use later versions of RDS CALs to access earlier versions of Windows Server.

Can you install RDS CAL on RD license server?

You must install your RDS CAL on a compatible RD license server. Any RDS license server can host licenses from all previous versions of Remote Desktop Services and the current version of Remote Desktop Services. For example, a Windows Server 2016 RDS license server can host licenses from all previous versions of RDS, while a Windows Server 2012 R2 RDS license server can only host licenses up to Windows Server 2012 R2.

Question

I have a question regarding the licensing and use of Microsoft Office via Remote Desktop Services. I will be referencing current Microsoft article (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/licensing/learn-more/brief-remote-desktop-services.aspx).

Answers

As described in the instruction, the license is on a per-device basis not per-user basis, I think in your scenario you will need a WAH license. However, to be sure, you can double check with Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center. Thank you.

Is Access 2016 installed?

Access 2016 is installed and Access 2013 is removed from your computer or device. You receive the benefits of automatic upgrades through the subscription for Access 2016. Both licenses remain on your computer or device. Access 2013 and Access 2016 are both available to you through the user interface.

Can Access 2016 be used on the same computer?

This configuration isn't supported. Microsoft 365 click-to-run and volume license (MSI) of the same major version can't co-exist on the same computer or device. Both licenses remain on the computer or device.

Is Access part of Microsoft 365?

Microsoft Access is now included as part of Microsoft 365 Family or Personal, Microsoft 365 Apps for business and Microsoft 365 Business Standard subscriptions. How soon you'll see Access as part of your installation depends upon the Microsoft 365 update channel your admin designated for your subscription. For Access users with Microsoft 365 on the ...

Is Access a standalone application?

Prior to December 2016, you or your admin may have installed Access as a standalone application on your computer or device with an Microsoft 365 Business Standard sub scription. When Microsoft 365 Business Standard subscriptions update to include Access, the existing version of Access on your computer or device may remain depending ...

What is Microsoft 365?

Take your enterprise to the next level with Microsoft 365, the leader in cloud-based productivity. Discover the benefits of an integrated cloud platform that delivers industry-leading productivity apps like Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with intelligent cloud services and world-class security.

What is Microsoft 365 Enterprise?

Microsoft 365 Enterprise includes Office 365 Enterprise, Windows 10 Enterprise, and Enterprise Mobility + Security and is offered in two plans - Microsoft 365 E3 and Microsoft 365 E5. Both plans provide customers with a comprehensive set of productivity and security capabilities, while Microsoft 365 E5 provides the latest ...

What is Microsoft 365 FromSA E3?

Microsoft 365 FromSA E3 and E5 subscriptions provide the right to install one local copy of Office Professional Plus software. Only the users assigned the Microsoft 365 FromSA E3 and E5 subscriptions may access the copy of Office Professional Plus software.

Does Microsoft 365 Enterprise have Skype for Business?

Microsoft 365 Enterprise customers with 500 seats or fewer will be onboarded to Microsoft Teams and will not have access to Skype for Business Online.

Is Microsoft 365 Enterprise available for purchase?

The Microsoft 365 Enterprise brand is built on the foundation of Secure Productive Enterprise. Secure Productive Enterprise is no longer available for purchase. As we release new capabilities as part of Office 365, Windows 10 Enterprise, and Enterprise Mobility + Security, we will continue to provide simpler offerings for customers and a more unified go-to-market motion with Microsoft 365 Enterprise.

Can I combine Microsoft 365 with other Microsoft subscriptions?

Can I combine Microsoft 365 with other Microsoft subscription offerings? Yes, depending on the subscription level, customers can combine their Microsoft 365 Enterprise subscriptions with plans and add-ons from Azure, Dynamics 365, Enterprise Mobility + Security, and Office 365.

Does Microsoft 365 F1 have access to Exchange?

Microsoft 365 F1 does not provide rights to install or access server software Exchange Server, SharePoint Server, and Skype for Business Server.

What is a licensed device?

According to the latest Microsoft “Product Use Rights” document dated April, 2014, a “Licensed Device” is “the single physical hardware system to which a license is assign ed.”.

When was the Microsoft Volume License Brief published?

This Microsoft Volume License Brief, originally published in 2007, and updated in November of 2009, contained the following graphic (click to enlarge): This graphic clearly shows that it was permissible to access Office Standard from a client device licensed with Office Pro Plus, and that it was permissible to access an older version ...

How many devices can you use Office 365 on?

If you read through that document, you will find that, under the E3 plan for example, each user has the rights to activate the Office software on up to five devices, which is a pretty good deal.

What is a remote desktop server?

A Remote Desktop Server falls under the definition of a “network Server.”. So any user who is accessing Office via Remote Desktop Services must be doing so from a Licensed Device. In other words, if you can walk up to a device and use it to access a Remote Desktop Server and run Office, you must have an Office license for that device.

How often can you reassign a device license?

You can reassign a license from one device to another, but not more often than every 90 days, unless it’s due to permanent hardware failure. Once you’ve assigned each license you acquire to a device, you have the following rights (again quoting from the Product Use Rights document, with my commentary in italics ):

Can you use Office 365 E3 on dedicated hardware?

At first blush, you might think that means you could use your Office 365 E3 licenses to cover running Office apps in our Cloud hosting environment – and you would be right, provided that you’re running on dedicated hardware. So, basically, the same rules apply to Office 365 licenses as apply to volume licenses.

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